LATEST UPDATE ON COVID-19 FROM GOVERNOR EDWARDS

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards took additional significant measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, further limiting the size of gatherings to fewer than 50 people, closing casinos, bars and movie theaters and limiting restaurants to delivery, take out and drive-through orders only. These changes are effective statewide at midnight. Operations may be able to resume on April 13, however, the situation will be reevaluated seven days prior. In Louisiana, there are 132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two people have died.

“More aggressive steps are necessary to fight the spread of COVID-19 across Louisiana. Following additional guidance from the CDC, gatherings of more than 50 people are no longer permitted, bars and casinos must close and restaurants will only be able to offer take out or delivery,” Gov. Edwards said. “These limitations were difficult to make, but they are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the health of Louisianans and flatten the curve.”

“What we’re learning is that it can take two weeks for symptoms to appear. We believe we are still unearthing community spread that’s been around for the past several weeks, which means it is a statewide problem that requires statewide solutions,” Gov. Edwards said. “In addition to meeting with Sen. Bill Cassidy this morning who is supportive of our efforts, I was also on a call with President Trump and Vice President Pence that lasted more than an hour and they were very clear that we must significantly expand our mitigation efforts to slow the progress of COVID-19 before there is more community spread. Action must be taken now, even in areas where there are no confirmed cases yet.”

​The Governor will update his public health emergency proclamation to include the following:

• Gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.
• Casinos and bars will be closed.
• Restaurants will be closed to patrons eating on site. Take-out, drive-through and delivery orders are allowed.
• Movie theaters will be closed. 

 
Locally, in Ouachita Parish, the community is stepping up to prepare. No cases of Coronavirus have been identified in Ouachita Parish, but because of the rapid spread of the virus, measures are being taken to mitigate exposure.

• The City of Monroe and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce are asking restaurants to consider closing in business dining and move exclusively to take out or drive in service.
• Area theaters are closing until April 13th
• Gyms, Fitness Centers and work out facilities are urged to close for the next two weeks
• The Monroe City Schools is providing breakfast and lunch to students at 7 locations in Monroe and arrangements are being discussed to ensure that students who do not have transportation can receive meals
• All community centers and the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo are closing. Staff will use the time to clean and disinfect the facilities.
• St. Francis is planning to set up drive through testing at St. Francis North and, possibly, at a second site at the Monroe Civic Center.
• The faith-based community is going to online services or taking other precautions to protect their congregations.
• Today, President Trump suggested that all public meetings and events consistent of 10 people or less. To that end, many community events have been cancelled or postponed.

These are very aggressive and stringent measures that will hurt business for the short term. The primary goal is to work to cut exposure on the front end so that we can mitigate the spread of the virus. In a few weeks, we will begin setting up forums and opportunities to help our businesses recover.
 
Please also note, this has always been a very giving and caring community. We need to allow our noble selves to shine through right now. If we take the necessary steps, the disease will mitigate in a matter of weeks. We don’t need to hoard hand sanitizer and toilet paper and other items. All we need is enough to get through the next 2 or 3 weeks. Please allow others to also get the supplies they need for the next few weeks.
 
In addition, consider that people may have been exposed to the virus and have no symptoms. Be thoughtful about joining crowds or going to parties with numerous people. This is a time to practice social distancing.
 
We’ll get past this crisis more quickly if we all do our part.